Luka Doncic Returns to Face Hawks as Reaves and Grimes Sit Out

Doncic returns while rotation shifts

The Los Angeles Lakers get star player Luka Doncic back in the lineup for Monday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Even with Doncic returning, the team will not be at full strength. The Lakers announced that both Austin Reaves and Quentin Grimes are officially out for the game. Reaves is dealing with an illness, while Grimes is sidelined by a sprained finger on his right hand.

Doncic sat out Sunday's 121-116 victory against the Detroit Pistons due to lower back tightness. Reaves took on a huge role in that game without Doncic available. Reaves scored a season high 43 points to push the team to victory. Now, Reaves and Grimes are both unavailable as the road trip continues in Atlanta.

Historic scoring and rookie minutes

Doncic will look to keep up a historical start to his season. He has scored 361 points so far, which stands as the third most points through nine games in NBA history. Doncic currently leads the entire league in scoring with an average of 40.1 points per game. He has scored 40 or more points in four straight games heading into Monday's contest.

Lakers coach JJ Redick had to adjust his plans due to the missing players. Redick said that with Reaves and Grimes sidelined, he planned to give early rotation minutes to rookie Cameron Carr. Carr was L.A.'s first round pick.

Both teams come into this game with momentum. The Lakers carry a five game winning streak into Monday, while the Hawks have won four straight games of their own.

What it means for the next game

Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks (NBA, Thu, 12 Nov): Milwaukee Bucks win 25%, Los Angeles Lakers win 75%; projected score Milwaukee Bucks 110, Los Angeles Lakers 118. Our safest pick: Lakers +0.5.

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns (NBA, Sun, 15 Nov): Phoenix Suns win 49%, Los Angeles Lakers win 51%; projected score Phoenix Suns 111, Los Angeles Lakers 110. Our safest pick: Suns +7.5.